The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a popular alternative to traditional English proficiency exams like the TOEFL and IELTS. It is especially popular among students who want to study abroad. More than 5500 universities worldwide accept the DET score for offering admission, and its popularity is increasing day by day. And with its rising popularity, several myths and misconceptions have surfaced, leaving many test-takers confused. The myths are mostly about its acceptance, reliability, and use in visa applications. This article explores the top 4 myths about the Duolingo English Test that must be busted with clear facts.
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Myth 1: Universities Don’t Really Accept the Duolingo English Test
More than 5700+ programs in universities around the world accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions. The universities include the Ivy League universities and the top global universities like the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. Here are the key facts to bust the myth:
- The Duolingo English Test is accepted by the vast majority of US universities, including the University of California, the University of Chicago, and MIT.
- 7 out of 8 Ivy League universities accept the Duolingo English Test - The exception is Columbia University
- 100% universities in Ireland accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions.
- 95% of US News & World Report Top 100 Universities in the US accept the DET for admissions.
- Some of the top universities worldwide that accept the Duolingo English Test are listed below:
- Canada: McGill University
- UK: University of Warwick, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science
- China: Tsinghua University, Wuhan University, Xi’an Jiaotong University
- Germany: University of Hamburg
- Hong Kong and Taiwan: The University of Hong Kong
Note: These universities have program-specific requirements, so you need to check if DET is accepted for the program you are applying to.
Myth 2: DET is Not Preferred by the Admission Officers
Universities would not list the DET exam as an English language proficiency exam if they were not confident of it. Here are the facts to note to bust this myth:
- If the test is listed as a requirement, it will be accepted.
- If it is not listed, you can always ask the respective program head or the admissions office if DET is accepted.
- Admission officers prefer DET’s fast score delivery (within 48 hours).
- Students have reported that admissions officers ask candidates with strong backgrounds to take the DET.
- Some universities, like Arizona State University and the University of Maryland, require students to take the DET test regularly to evaluate the ESL courses.
Myth 3: DET is Not to be Trusted Because it is Too New.
The Duolingo English Test was launched in 2016 and has since been taken by around 2 million candidates. Here are the critical facts that would bust this myth:
- DET is new as compared to TOEFL and IELTS, which are 61 and 45 years old, respectively. But newness does not mean it is not trustworthy.
- The rising popularity of the DET is a sign of its modern-day relevance.
- The acceptance of DET by top universities around the world is a sign of its credibility.
Myth 4: DET Cannot be Used for Visa Applications.
The Duolingo English Test is not only accepted for admissions but also for visa applications. Below are the facts contrary to the myth:
- Duolingo English Test is accepted the same way as IELTS and TOEFL and recognized by Visa officers.
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada previously only accepted IELTS, but the restriction has now been removed.
- If UK universities (University of Southampton, University of Glasgow) accept your scores, and you have a CAS letter, applying for a visa should not be a problem.
The Duolingo English Test is recognized and trusted by leading universities abroad for admissions and by various countries for visa processes. Now that the common myths about the DET have been busted, you can make informed decisions with confidence. But it is always recommended that you verify specific requirements on the university's official website before applying.
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